There was a surprising number of indy Glencadams released last year – including a handful from the Society. This latest SMWS release is a 9 year old that has spent its life maturing in a 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel before being bottled at 61.9%.
Nose: Crisp, clean and precise. Freshly washed cotton sheets and sparkling bone china sit with floral apples and white grape juice. Deeper, peach melba and a spoon of Chantilly cream provide richness, whilst rich tea biscuits provide a sweet, floury core. Dilution broadens things nicely – orange jelly, filo pastry with piped whipped cream and a drizzle of coffee and walnut syrup.
Taste: A medley of juicy fruits run throughout. First up – clove-studded oranges, then ginger spiced apples. Cocoa nibs and pastry cases add wider interest whilst cask spices develop in the mid-palate offering crushed almonds and a building pepperiness. Water favours orchard fruits – apples and pears – whilst also offering aromats from cardamon and allspice together with steeped fruit teas.
Finish: Medium, icing sugar dusted golden pastry alongside sustained pepperiness.
There are few surprises along the journey with this Glencadam, but what there is, is well composed and nicely balanced. Juicy fruits – perky spices. Don’t mind if I do.